Reviews

“Heartbreaking and redemptive, inspired by a true story of two very different, equally passionate sisters who were both destined to forge new paths for women in a tumultuous time. Bernard’s tale is richly imagined and thoroughly engrossing, and will have readers quickly turning the pages.” —Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin

“I really enjoyed this book. Bernard’s style is descriptive without being pretentious as she explores what we know of the sisters’ relationship … I love the way Bernard dips in and out of events in the sisters’ lives without overwhelming the narrative with too much information, which she sometimes then layers over several sections. This is TV costume drama material and comes well recommended.”—Historical Novel Society EDITORS’ CHOICE (Reviewer: Fiona Alison, Feb. 2023)

“This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels.” —Sublime Book Reviews

“A magical, mystical, mesmerizing tale of two real-life noble sisters of Castle Leod, caught up in shocking passions that cast them in opposition, yet desperate for reconciliation. —Rebecca Rosenberg, triple-gold award-winning novelist, Champagne Widows

“With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring.” —Pacific Book Review

“Set in the misty mountains and untraversed wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, the novel has an atmospheric feel that captivated me. I would heartily recommend [Sisters of Castle Leod], a bittersweet saga of sisterhood, to anyone appreciating historical fiction.” —Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers’ Favorite

“A carefully researched historical novel with a touch of the supernatural. I highly recommend.” —Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park Was Only the Beginning

“Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard took great pains in the research of the extraordinary lives of these two very different sisters. She supplements the many available facts with a rich, sustained, and believable narrative, which is the mark of a good writer of historical fiction… [The author] successfully ensnares the reader in the web of her very elegant and polished narrative; the style of Daphne du Maurier springs to mind.” —Historical Fiction Company

“Sisters of Castle Leod is a work of historical fiction that is, on the surface, about the fraught relationship between the two sisters. However, written in the first person, using Sibell’s voice, it is by all accounts a story of her journey by way of introspection, spiritualism, and philosophizing…The thought-provoking questions Sibell asks of herself and her subsequent epiphanies give the book a real depth…This, together with the poignant ending, leaves the reader with plenty to ponder.”
—fictionaltraits.com

“The force of sibling relationships draws readers in with raw emotion in Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard’s Sisters of Castle Leod. Moving from the Scottish Highlands to London with a detour to Venice and the ancient city of Tyre, backdrops come to life, influencing the characters and their choices. Learning from the author’s note that Sibell and Constance were real people adds to the imaginative storytelling. I highly recommend!”
—Janis Robinson Daly, author of The Unlocked Path, #1 New Release for US Historical Fiction

“Sisters of Castle Leod is the fictionalized biography of Sibell Mackenzie, third Countess of Cromartie, and her younger sister Lady Constance as they move from their childhood rivalries to the adult consequences of their actions. A compelling portrait of two real sisters, equally famous—if not equally wealthy and respected—in early twentieth century Great Britain. Recommended!” —Chanticleer Book Reviews

“Whilst the historical element of this novel can easily be compared to some of the great historical novelists, like Sharon Kay Penman …, the ghostly apparitions and contact with the spirit world add an original view of … Sibell Lilian Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, [who] truly comes alive in this classic.” —Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

“The stage is set for sibling rivalry [in this] grand novel about two fascinating sisters of the Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20th century.” —Sheila Myers, author of The Truth of Who You Are

“How each sister reacts to the tragedies in their lives becomes a study in contrasts and the impressive way in which the author blends novelist’s invention and meticulous research to flesh out these women and their lives in Sisters of Castle Leod is mesmerizing. Once again, Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has penned a portrait of a time and place in history, mixing fictional and historical characters to good effect and creating a treat for both the history buff and the historical fiction reader. Highly recommended.” —Bookworlder.wordpress.com

“[Sisters of Castle Leod] was a book that was very hard to put down once one started reading it as the tale was very compelling. I found myself carrying the book around to read at any odd moment I could. These books are rare and very welcome.”—bookscookslooks.com

“I love everything to do with Scotland (having lived in the country for 17 years, with my heart firmly rooted there), so I just had to read this novel. And I can highly recommend it…This novel is as fascinating as it is gripping…I read it deep into the night, and found it hard to tear myself away…”—ruinsandreading.com

“Sisters of Castle Leod delves into a public sibling rivalry from the turn of the century with a side dish of the supernatural. It’s a richly authentic novel that delivers a realistic look at troubled family relationships.”—novelsalive.com

“From the first few pages, I couldn’t stop reading this book. The historical detailing drew me in and I was entranced by the words. Sibell lived over 100 years ago, but she comes back to life among these pages. This is an absolutely amazing novel, and one I greatly enjoyed. I know I will be reading this book again, and will keep an eye out for the author”—candlelightreadinguk.blogspot.com

“On the surface, the story is about the fragile relationship between the two sisters but delving deeper, the questions raised by Sibell’s spiritualism and philosophy are intriguing and might even rearrange the way you think. I would recommend Sisters of Castle Leod to everyone who loves reading about gothic castles, spiritual quests, and complex relationships between family members. This stirring and well-crafted story will keep you entertained from beginning to end!”—literarytitan.com

“Castle Leod was the home to two very real sisters with amazing and magical lives of their own. Sibell’s spiritual journey was a large part of the story, I was taken in by the mystery of past lives as much as Sibell was and was equally amazed at her strength in realizing what was true and what she simply wanted to be true. In the end, Sisters of Castle Leod is about the bond of sisterhood and creating your own path in the world.”—StephaniesBookReviewsweebly.com

“A compelling read that is hard to put down. This was one the best historical fiction novels I’ve read. It’s hauntingly beautiful. A perfect book club read.”—Novels N Latte Book Club